BE A FRIEND              		Pastor Bob Chroninger 
Trinity C.U. 10-22-00 A.M.     		Proverbs 18:24      	 
	Have you ever been lonely... really needing a "friend"?  People are so "busy" today...
don't even know who their neighbors are let alone being a friend to them.  There are broken 
families, dreams, health, hopes, and hearts.  People really need a "friend".  Of course the
greatest Friend is Jesus... but the only "body" He has is Yours and Mine.  To be a Friend.. 
you must show yourself to be friendly.. here's what the Bible says... 

I.  A FRIEND LOVES.. (At All Times).. Prov.17:17 
  A. A "Friend" ... a brother; a companion; a lover; a neighbor 
  B. A Friend loves.. 
    1. He loves his family.. 
    2. He loves his friends..  Luke 6:32 
    3. He loves his "neighbor"..  Mt.5:43,44; Lu.10:27; Gal.5:14 
    4. He loves his enemies..  Luke 6:31-35; Rom.12:20
 ** "Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his friends." Jn.15:13  ... Jesus !!
	And.. it is the "fruit of the Spirit controlled person" 

II. A FRIEND IS FAITHFUL.. (At All Times)  Prov.27:6 
  A. A Friend Is "Faithful"..  to build up; support; be steadfast 
    1. Even if it "wounds" his friends. 
	- To correct them, to build them up, etc.
	 - To make them better..  in contrast to the "kisses" of an enemy.. 
	   - Remember Judas ?? 
	- To foster, or nurture as a parent or a nurse.. 
    2. Even the Lord corrects those whom He loves.. Prov.3:11,12 

III.  A FRIEND IS A "SWEETENER" (At All Times).. Prov.27:9 
  A. He Rejoices The "Heart" of Others..  "sweetens the inner self" 
  B. By His "Hearty" Counsel 
    1. Like anointing oil and perfume refresh the outer being... 
    2. Counsel and advice coming from one's own inner being sweetens others
 ** A Friend will do that for others.. 

IV.  A FRIEND "SHARPENS"  (At All Times)..  Prov.27:17 
  A. He Sharpens.. "as iron sharpens iron".. ever see a blacksmith work? 
    1. To "hammer out" 
  B. He Sharpens The "Countenance" of his friend.. (face; but denotes the person himself) 
    1. Remember Cain.. he was angry and his countenance fell..  Gen.4:5 
    2. Sharpens.. "hammers out"..  brings out the best in others.. 

V.  A FRIEND "EMPATHIZES"  (At All Times)  Luke.15:6,9 
  A. Rejoices with those who rejoice..  Ro.12:9-18 
  B. Weeps with those who weep.. 

VI.  A FRIEND SHARES.. (At All Times)  Mark 5:19 
  A. "Go home and tell your friends.." 

VII. A FRIEND "KNOWS".. (At All Times)  3 John 1:14 
  A. "Greet the friends by name.." 

DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A "FRIEND" OF GOD ?? 
	WILL YOU THEN BECOME A FRIEND TO OTHERS ALL AROUND YOU ?